Disabilty Issues/Assistance

Assistive Technology Equipment

LH-0600

Programs that pay for or provide equipment, appliances and assistive aids that enable people, including those who have physical or sensory limitations, to increase their mobility and/or ability to communicate and live more comfortably.

Assistive Technology Equipment Loan

LH-0650.0250

Programs that enable individuals who have physical or sensory limitations to borrow the assistive technology products they require at no charge. Loans may be long or short-term in nature and the devices are returned once the agreed-upon period of time has elapsed.

Early Intervention for Children With Disabilities/Delays

LR-1700

Programs that identify infants, toddlers and in some cases, preschoolers who show evidence of or are at risk for lags in physical development, cognitive development, language and speech development, psychosocial development or self-help skills, and provide or coordinate the delivery of an enrichment program in order to minimize the potential for a developmental delay and to meet their current developmental needs. The program may include early identification activities (child find); a developmental evaluation; a review of family concerns, priorities and resources; meetings with the family to develop an individualized family service plan; service coordination to ensure that the individual and his or her family receive needed services which may include but are not limited to physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, health/medical services, nursing services, nutrition services, psychological services including specialized play groups or therapy sessions, counseling, speech and language assistance, special instructional services, transportation, and parenting skills development; and ongoing evaluation of the child's progress and his or her changing enrichment needs. Included are "birth to three" programs and federal, state or local programs that address the needs of slightly older children or children not otherwise eligible for "birth to three" programs.

In Home Supportive Services Subsidies

NL-3000.3300

A program administered by the county that provides financial assistance which enables people who are aged, blind or have a disability, are limited in their ability to care for themselves and cannot live safely at home without assistance to obtain homemakers or chore workers to help them in their homes. To be eligible, recipients must meet income and resource guidelines which in some states are tied to Supplemental Security Income (SSI/SSP) eligibility. People who receive SSI/SSP automatically meet the program's financial need requirement. Those whose income is higher than the limits for SSI/SSP may still be eligible, but may be required to pay for part of the services they receive. In addition to the monthly income limits, there are also limits on the amount of resources a person can own and still receive these benefits. Resources include items such as savings, investments, and certain types of property and personal possessions. Eligibility requirements vary by state as do the types of services that can be authorized.

Protection and Advocacy for Individuals With Disabilities

FT-1000.6600

Programs that provide assistance for individuals with disabilities who are having difficulty understanding and/or obtaining the full benefits and services to which they are entitled by law. Included are federally mandated programs that are part of the formal protection and advocacy system which includes Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PADD), Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI), Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR) and the Client Assistance Program (CAP); and independent organizations that provide the same types of services. Protection and advocacy programs provide legal representation and other advocacy services, under federal and state laws, for all people with disabilities and endeavor to ensure full access to inclusive educational programs, financial entitlements, health care, accessible housing and productive employment opportunities. The programs maintain a presence in facilities that care for people with disabilities where they monitor, investigate and attempt to remedy adverse conditions. CAP agencies (many of which are housed within protection and advocacy offices) provide information and assistance for individuals seeking or receiving vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act, including assistance in pursuing administrative, legal and other appropriate remedies.

Speech and Hearing

LR-8000

Programs that provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for individuals who have speech and/or language problems, neurological disorders or diseases or disorders of the middle, inner and outer ear; larynx; tongue; mouth; or other structures whose coordination and appropriate functioning are necessary for speech and/or hearing.

Veteran Compensation and Pension Benefits

NS-1800.9000

Programs administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that provide monthly payments to veterans who are disabled and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, their dependent children, surviving spouses and parents. Included are compensation benefits for veterans with service-connected disabilities; and pension benefits for veterans with limited incomes who are age 65 or older or are permanently and totally disabled as a result of a condition not related to military service. Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits which are paid in addition to the basic compensation or pension rate. A veteran cannot receive both Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits at the same time.